Old Pasadena in Los Angeles County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Mercantile Place

Photographed by Denise Boose, January 4, 2014

1. Mercantile Place Marker

Inscription. This well-named service road ran behind some of the most important retail merchants that fronted Colorado Boulevard from 1887 to the end of the 19th century. Among the retailers in this block were Hertel's Dry Goods, J.W. Woods (The Druggist who later became a well-known local historian), and Conrad & Hotaling, Men's Outfitters. A.C. Vroman established his first bookshop on this block in 1894. This block also was the location of Valley Union Newspaper offices and shops for a grocer, a confectioner, a baker and a jeweler.

Erected by Arroyo Group, Ray Spano and Larry Morrison.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1887.

Location. 34° 8.704′ N, 118° 8.958′ W. Marker is in Pasadena, California, in Los Angeles County. It is in Old Pasadena. It is on South Raymond Avenue, on the right when traveling south. Located on the side of building in the alleyway. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 35 South Raymond Avenue, Pasadena CA 91105, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Greater Los Angeles

and in the Transverse Ranges.

It is also on the American Pacific Coast.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Braley Building (here, next to this marker); Plotkin Alley (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Mercantile Place (about

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300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Original Site of Throop University (about 400 feet away); Castle Green (about 400 feet away); Greetings from Pasadena (about 500 feet away); Morgan Alley (about 500 feet away); Exchange Alley (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Pasadena.

Photographed by Denise Boose, January 4, 2014

2. Mercantile Place Marker

Photographed by Denise Boose, January 4, 2014

3. Mercantile Place Marker

Marker is on right side of building facing the alley.

Photographed by Denise Boose, January 4, 2014

4. Mercantile Place Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on February 12, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 12, 2014, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. This page has been viewed 727 times since then and 37 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on January 12, 2014, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.